Prof. Al Khaja: We seek to keep up with the scientific changes and create an awareness of international expertise.

Prof. Aouad: Scientific conferences are an incubator for energy, research and experiments.

The British Ambassador: The cooperation between the University and the Chartered Institute of Building is part of the cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom.

Applied Science University held a forum titled “Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure” on Wednesday, 13^th May 2015, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Bahrain Society of Engineers. It is considered one of the first events from a series of scientific events and conferences held by the university on the occasion of its tenth anniversary since its establishment.

The forum was inaugurated by His Excellency the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain “Mr. Iain Lindsay OBE” and was attended by nearly 200 people from inside and outside the university. A range of topics relating to green buildings and infrastructure were discussed by a group of professors and professionals from Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom.

Prof.Waheeb Al Khaja, Managing Director of the Board of Directors of ASU delivered a speech on the role universities can play in promoting a culture of excellence, explaining how the university’s new building has taken into account the standards of green building through techniques that have been suppliedto it and which are compatible with the latest standards science has reached in this field. While Eng. Masoud Alhermi, President of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, spoke about the Bahrain Society of Engineers and its role in promoting sustainable construction in Bahrain. Prof. Ghassan Aouad, President of the Chartered Institute of Building and President of Applied Science Universitydelivered a presentation on CIOB’s role and his role in promoting a culture of sustainability. The forum also hosted Mr. Don Ward, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence, UK where he talked about UK experiences in the area of sustainable buildings and infrastructure.Mr. Michael Salmon, the former President of CIOB – Middle East and Director of Drake & Skull talked about the experiences of sustainable buildings and infrastructures in the Middle East.On the sidelines of the forum, a panel discussion was held which included Mr. Chris Blythe -Chief Executive of CIOB, Mr. Rick Hopper – Managing Director of Atkins Bahrain and Kuwait, Mr. David Anthony – General Manager of Nass Contracting and Ms. Yara Tawfeek from the United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), where they all offered their expertise in the field of sustainable buildings and green architecture. The forum also witnessed the awarding of CIOB Fellowship to three members namely, Prof. Waheeb Alkhaja, Prof. NabeelAltaweeland Prof. Assem Alhaj, where this certificate is awarded to those with experience and competence in the field of engineering and construction in the world. The forum also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Chartered Institute of Building and the Bahrain Society of Engineers.

The university also held a small exhibition representing the history and civilization of Bahrain, through a range of traditional craftsmen who manufactured their products at the sight of the audience and provided them with commemorative gifts.

For his part, Prof. Waheeb Alkhaja mentioned that this forum aims to highlight the importance of green building on the sustainability of the environment, as well as to establish the concept of preserving the environment among the students especially that the campus of the university is designed to be environmentally friendly, pointing out that the forum is part of the university’s keenness to serve the Bahraini, Gulf and Arab communities, through creating awareness on global expertise and strengthening the bonds of cooperation with prestigious scientific institutions.

The President of Applied Science University and President of the Chartered Institute of Building, Prof. Ghassan Aouad assured that such scientific conferences and forums are important for bothresearchers and higher educationinstitutions, pointing out that these conferences form an incubator for energy, research and experiences. It contributes to creating an environment conducive for publishing and scientific research, and also contributes to the renaissance and development of educational institutions through the exchange of experiences among researchers around the world.

Prof Aouad explained that Applied Science University strives to become one of the leading private universities supporting practical learning in Bahrain and the Gulf region, noting that the vision of the university’smanagement is to make it a crucible for fusing cultures and ideas, where originality and modernity are mixed in a unique manner to reflect positively on the professional future of all those who belong to the university.

In his address, HE the British Ambassador expressed his admiration for the issues raised and discussed during the forum and praised the efforts undertaken by Applied Science University and its support for scientific research to serve the Bahraini community and enhance its career between higher educationinstitutions. He also noted that the forum gave the visitors the opportunity to identify some of Bahrain’sculture and traditions. He also mentioned that signing the memorandum of understanding between the University and the Chartered Institute of Building pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom share a strong and deep-rooted relationdominated by respect and the exchange of experiences in various fields, he also mentioned that this agreement serves as part of the relations between the two brotherly countries.

In conclusion, Prof Waheeb Al Khaja and Prof Ghassan Aouad expressed their gratitude to His Excellency the British Ambassador for attending the forum, pointing out that his presence enriched the activities of the forum significantly. They also thanked the Bahrain Society of Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Building for their cooperation, wishing that this forum is the result of a permanent joint cooperation which would support the university’s mission, which includes graduating distinctive and competent students who are capable of serving their home countries and communities.

It is worth mentioning that the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. It ages back to 181 years, and is headquartered in the United Kingdom. It comprises of approx. 45,000 associate members, where Professor Aouad is the first President from the Middle East.